Wednesday, July 27, 2016

The PGA of America is bringing the PGA Championship to Charlotte, N.C., next August. However, the body warns that it may steer clear of the Tarheel State in the future if the state’s controversial House Bill 2 remains law.

House Bill 2, also known as The Public Facilities Privacy & Security Act, was signed into law earlier this year by Gov. Pat McCrory and limits municipalities from having anti-discrimination laws on the books and requires transgender people to use bathrooms corresponding with their sex at birth in government buildings and public schools.

Despite efforts to amend the bill, McCrory and the Republican-led state legislature did not do enough to prevent the NBA from choosing to move the 2017 NBA All-Star Game from Charlotte.

“The PGA of America strongly opposes North Carolina HB2. It contradicts our commitment to create an inclusive and welcoming environment at our events. We remain hopeful that the law will be changed,” the organization said in a written statement.

“Since the Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte is a private facility not subject to all of the provisions of HB2, at the 2017 PGA Championship we plan to allow spectators to use the restroom that conforms with their gender identity or gender expression. As we look to future events, our willingness to consider coming back to the State of North Carolina will be severely impacted unless HB2 is overturned.”

The PGA Tour also hosts the Quail Hollow Championship in North Carolina, typically also at Quail Hollow Club. However, in 2017, the event will be played at Eagle Point in Wilmington, N.C.